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SAFETY MOMENT, JULY 28

One signal person, but anyone can call stop

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Safety moment, July 28

One signal person, but anyone can call stop

Cranes lift and swing heavy loads near workers and power lines, often on ground that can shift. When something goes wrong, it happens fast. The operator is not the only one at risk: riggers, signal persons, laborers and anyone walking by can be struck, crushed or caught under a load.

SAFETY MOMENT

July 28

The hazard

Cranes lift and swing heavy loads near workers and power lines, often on ground that can shift. When something goes wrong, it happens fast. The operator is not the only one at risk: riggers, signal persons, laborers and anyone walking by can be struck, crushed or caught under a load.

The action

In construction, a signal person must be provided when the operator cannot fully see the load's path or landing spot (29 CFR 1926.1419(a)(1)). Only one person may give signals at a time, so leave signaling to the person assigned (29 CFR 1926.1419(h)). The exception is stop: anyone who sees a safety problem must give the stop or emergency stop signal, and the operator must obey it no matter who gives it (29 CFR 1926.1417(y)). (29 CFR 1926.1419(j))

ASK THE CREW

How close could our boom or load get to a power line today?

From the talk: Crane safety. Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.

HOW TO USE IT

How to give a safety moment

  1. Gather the crew where they work, before the shift or the meeting starts. Read the hazard out loud.
  2. Ask the question and let two or three people answer. What they say about their own work counts for more than what you read.
  3. Name the action and point to one place on today's job where it applies, so everyone knows what to do differently.
  4. Write the date and the names on a sign-in sheet.

A safety moment is short and does not replace the full talk. When you want to go through a topic with the crew, pick a free toolbox talk.

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